A proposal by a section of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to expand its Central Committee to include Cabinet Secretaries who are party members has elicited mixed reactions.
Coming at a time when the party is embroiled in disputes concerning its future with the Kenya Kwanza government led by President William Ruto, the proposal raises questions about its intent, as well as its constitutionality. By law, CSs are not allowed to participate in political party affairs.
The ODM Central Committee is one of the party's powerful organs whose functions include formulating policy for the National Executive Committee (NEC), supervising party activities, and propagating ODM ideology, among others.
ODM leaders during the Interdenominational Memorial Service at Karisa Maitha Grounds in Kilifi County on November 16, 2025.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
The revelation about a proposal to include CSs in the Committee was made by Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo on Sunday during an inter-denominational prayer service that wrapped up celebrations of the party's 20th anniversary.
According to Mr Madzayo, there have been ongoing discussions with party chairperson Gladys Wanga and other leaders about the matter.
"We've been in talks, that we need to expand the Central Committee to accommodate CSs who are ODM members so that they can have a say on party matters. This move is appropriate because, for instance, the five members who are CSs can sit in the Central Committee and share ideas that can be important to the party," Mr Madzayo said.
Currently, according to the party's constitution, the Central Committee consists of the Party Leader, Deputy Party Leaders, the National Chairperson, Secretary-General, National Treasurer, Organizing Secretary, Director of Campaigns, the ODM Women Leader, the ODM Youth Leader, the Executive Director (ex officio), and three members specially nominated by the Party Leader.
President William Ruto during the ODM Founders' dinner at Sarova Whitesands in Mombasa on November 15, 2025.
Photo credit: Wachira Mwangi | Nation Media Group
Some of the actions taken by the Committee this year include reaffirming ODM’s commitment to remain part of President Ruto’s broad-based government until 2027, endorsing nominated senator Oburu Oginga as the new party leader following Raila Odinga’s death, and forming a 10-member technical team to work with UDA on implementing the 10-point agenda in their broad-based Memorandum of Understanding.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who is one of the party's deputy leaders, cautioned that the proposal could face constitutional hurdles. Speaking at the same event in Kilifi, Mr Nassir said what may be considered instead is the formation of an advisory council rather than expanding the Committee.
ODM deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir speaks to the media when he welcomed party officials and supporters at Miritini SGR Statio ahead of the ODM@20 celebrations celebrations in Mombasa.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
"We may consider having an advisory council so that we don't put those of us who are in government at risk. The advisory council can consist of the CSs, governors among others," he said.
The ODM members who sit in President Ruto's Cabinet are John Mbadi (National Treasury & Economic Planning), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives & MSMEs), Hassan Joho (Mining, Blue Economy & Maritime Affairs), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy & Petroleum), and Beatrice Askul (East African Community Affairs, Arid & Semi-Arid Lands & Regional Development).
Some of the CSs have been outspoken in defending the continuation of the broad-based government arrangement beyond the 2027 General Election, opposing a section of party members who insist that ODM should not be in a coalition with Kenya Kwanza during the polls.
On Saturday, during a public rally in Mombasa for the anniversary celebrations, CS Joho was categorical that he and his counterparts who were seconded by Raila to the government will not accept to be sacrificial lambs for any decisions arising from the ongoing fallouts.
"I will use all my strength to protect my party. ODM got where it is today because some of us sacrificed a lot. The only time I've ever been harassed by police and even risked getting shot was because of my support for ODM and Raila. If you dare chase me out, I'll do the same to you. If it must be ruined, let it be so," said Mr Joho.
Addressing locals at Karisa Maitha grounds in Kilifi, Ms Wanga, who is also the Homa Bay Governor, dismissed claims that the party is weakening or losing ground across the country. Ms Wanga said Raila left a legacy that must be protected through unity and disciplined leadership.
“I know wherever Baba is, he is proud because he loved the Coast deeply. He was a once-in-a-generation leader. None of us can say we can be like him, but if we walk together, we can reach even halfway where he stood. We may differ in opinion but we all agree on one thing: we will not allow this party to fall,” she said.
“We will talk and decide the direction together. For now, let the country see that the party is firm,” she said.
ODM Deputy Party Leader and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi urged members to return to the 10-point agenda with Kenya Kwanza, saying it remains the party’s moral and political compass.
